Campaigns resurge, reshape to face economic crisis

WASHINGTON — Maryland congressional campaigns refocused this week on the stalled economy and the unpopular bailout bill that ricocheted through Congress before passing Friday.

"They're bailing out the wrong people," said Creston Long, a history professor at Salisbury University, describing the prevailing sentiment of voters in Maryland's 1st Congressional District, home to the state's most competitive race.

The crisis has energized candidates challenging "safe" incumbents, and in more competitive races, nominees are linking their positions on issues such as environment and tax policy to a larger theme of economic...